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Ocean Action under the UNFCCC
Ocean coast turbines

Ocean action under the UNFCCC

As per the Glasgow Climate Pact, ocean-related action on climate change is currently addressed under a range of UNFCCC agenda items, constituted bodies and processes. 

Mitigation, Adaptation and Resilience

  • Ocean-based targets are included by an increasing number of Parties in their Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). 
  • The new or updated NDCs reflect an increased recognition of the ocean’s role in strengthening climate action. The 2024 NDC Synthesis Report summarizes that Parties continue to report ocean-based measures to demonstrate climate action.
  • As of March 31, 2024, 53% of the NAPs identify sea level rise as a significant climate hazard, with many also addressing ocean acidification, saltwater intrusion, and coastal erosion. Key adaptation actions in NAPs for coastal and marine resilience include low-cost coastline protection, mangrove restoration, integrated coastal zone management, sea level monitoring, and capacity building for sustainable ocean management.
  • The Nairobi Work Programme (NWP) collaborates with expert groups, UNFCCC bodies, and communities to provide knowledge and foster adaptive actions, particularly in ocean resilience and climate adaptation. The secretariat formed the NWP expert group on oceans to address priorities set by Parties, collaborating with organizations like the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 
  • Within the work of the High-Level Champions and the Marrakech Partnership, the 2030 Climate Solutions was launched at COP 28 to bring together their existing 2030 frameworks and tools, including concrete solutions and opportunities in the area of Ocean and Coastal Zones, such as Mangroves, Coral Reefs, Ocean Renewable Energy, Aquatic Food, Marine Conservation and Shipping.

Means of Implementation: Finance, Technology and Capacity Building 

  • The Standing Committee on Finance (SCF) has published the National Determination Report showcasing that over half of developing countries have linked biodiversity and conservation to climate adaptation in their NAPs. The SCF has compiled submissions from Parties and bodies on draft guidance for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Global Environment Facility (GEF), that encourages the GEF to support climate projects that also promote ocean conservation, pollution reduction, and biodiversity. 
  • The Technology Executive Committee (TEC) is advancing ocean-focused climate solutions under its 2023–2027 workplan, focusing on innovative technologies for ocean-based action, marine protection, and climate resilience. Recent TEC efforts include policy briefs on ocean and coastal adaptation, collaborations to enhance early warning systems (EWS), and upcoming joint policy insights to scale up technology-driven disaster risk management, particularly for vulnerable regions like Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
  • The Paris Committee on Capacity Building (PCCB) integrates ocean-related actions in its capacity-building initiatives, particularly through its "Capacity-building Hubs" at COP events. Highlights include "Oceans and Land Day" at COP27, which focused on nature-based solutions and the integration of diverse knowledge systems, and "Rio Conventions Synergies Day," focusing on collaborative approaches to marine biodiversity and coastal resilience. In 2024, the Peace Boat US and the PCCB Network, “Becoming Ocean Champions” brought together young advocates to explore the vital role of youth in ocean and climate action, and the importance of scientific literacy for understanding ocean challenges.

Global Stocktake

  • The global stocktake Agreement is a process for taking stock of the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The outcome of the first global stocktake (Decision 1/CMA.5) welcomed the outcomes of and the informal summary report on the 2023 ocean dialogue and encouraged further strengthening of ocean-based action, as appropriate (para. 180). Parties are invited to scale up ocean and coastal ecosystem preservation, restoration, and ocean-based mitigation efforts while promoting ecosystem-based approaches and multi-sectoral solutions.

Further information on the integration of the ocean under the UNFCCC process

  • 2024 Ocean Dialogue Information Note, Annex II Relevant updates under the UNFCCC process, the UN system and other non-UN processes. Available here. 
  • 2024 Ocean Dialogue Informal Summary Report. Available here. 
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